The CBC is getting old. I hate to admit it, but admitting it is the first step to recovery. At least with Alcoholics Anonymous. As a former fervent fan, the big bald shining head of Peter Mansbridge appeared like a beacon of light each evening, providing what I thought was safe, stable and reliable news.
I wonder if things have changed over there over the years, or rather if it is I who have changed. It hardly matters, as day after day, I’m perplexed as to how or why so much public money goes to funding it. The CBC, reported to cost the taxpayer well over a billion bucks, I’m concerned might not be worth the money.
Some shows perhaps have some humorous merit, others not so. I was initially impressed this year with InSecurity, a satiric comedy about the secret services world, but was sourly disappointed after a few episodes by cliche and predictable rehashed humour based on one-dimensional characters. Dragons’ Den on the other hand, is a great show.
Other programming included in The National from time to time is where a host meets with people of the same name as Canada’s main political leaders. What is supposed to be funny turned out to be pretty lame and unentertaining. The premise of the show is weak, meeting someone with only the same name as a party leader. The show stabs at thin air for a meager if not paltry entertainment payoff.
Claims that the CBC fudged its political compass in favour of the Liberal party does the newtork no favours. And again, why should public money go to funding a poll of questionable merit, I’ll never know.
Columnist, author and a host on Sun News Network that launched this week, Ezra Levant, went as far to call it “a push-poll driving people to the Liberal Party.” He backed up his claim by showing how the analyst behind the ‘compass’ was previously Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff’s policy advisor.
Another shortcoming Levant identifies is that the poll asks policy questions on abortion and gay marriage, even though the Conservative party has upheld the current laws and has not campaigned on changing them.
I’ll probably continue watching The National. However, I can’t help but say I’m a little excited about the launch of Sun News. The new channel will provide an alternate look at the political world with perhaps a bit less of the theocratic political correctness of current broadcast media. With hosts provocative and edgy hosts like Levant, the station has good chance to become a success in Canada.
While critics crudely and inappropriately labelled it Fox New North when it was announced last year, even though it has nothing to do with the U.S. broadcaster and in fact will carry content from CNN, it will be a decent addition to the content-starved world of Canadian broadcast news.
If I had cable TV, I would definitely consider subscribing. Until then, I look forward to watching the tidbits that may appear on the channel’s website or that end up on YouTube.
